Margaret Keys
The Gift of Music “May your soul have the gift of music, may your heart be inspired with song. May the echoes remain in your memory, like a friendship that last’s your whole life long. Every day that you spend with music Is the best day, the best new day of the year” – John Rutter The Irish soprano Margaret Key’s last album ‘Legato’ (her debut with Universal Records) was released in 2006. The CEO of Universal Records described her sound as “a voice of pure warmth and beauty.” Since then, fans have been delighted to watch the blossoming of her career and eagerly anticipated the release of ‘The Gift of Music’ (they have already driven the release to the No.1 spot on the Amazon classical music charts!). The new album is a collection of eighteen favorites that capture Margaret’s sparkling tone and elegant phrasing. It has been a carefully planned out venture from Margaret. “I need to be really well prepared and know the
songs backwards. This saves a lot of time on re-takes and gives me the confidence to ‘perform’ them as I would in a live setting rather than note bashing line by line. I always like the recordings to flow and feel like a performance as opposed to a recording session.” The album will be her first with Tadlow Classics. Margaret shares, “I met and collaborated with the team at Tadlow Classics when I first recorded in Prague. They are a wonderful group of people and we all worked really well together. That’s a must when recording an album!” The orchestration also features the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra and their lush
accompaniments blend exquisitely with Margaret’s rich voice. “When I arrived at Smecky Studios I was greeted by 70 hugely talented, warm and friendly members of the City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. To perform and record a full album with them was an amazing experience and one I will always treasure.”
Bryn Terfel). “There was also a creative team behind the overall look and presentation of the album, but I certainly had a good input into most things. I wanted to be heavily involved in all the creative sides of the album.”
One of the most difficult decisions was settling on the final tracklist. Margaret explains a bit of her process Although most saying, “There was such a albums these big catalog of music to days are choose from. I took about 2 “I wanted the album to recorded with months to gather thoughts reflect me as a singer the orchestra and ideas and I ended up and artist and as a person. So, the with a list of about 40 songs separate, this to choose from. It wasn’t an songs I chose are a experience was easy task to whittle it down cocktail of all my more though. I probably could traditional. “We musical experiences and have made 4 albums but I recorded both had to be strict with training” my vocals and myself. I wanted the album the orchestra to reflect me as a singer and live in Prague. We did this so they as a person. So, the songs I chose are could get the feel of how I wanted to a cocktail of all my musical interpret each song. We needed to experiences and training but also have the same musical approach and contain personal connections such as performing live is really the best way in ‘The Old Man’ which reflects my to do this. We also recorded some relationship with my dear late vocals later in Cambridge with father.” producer Gareth Williams.” One of the most important tracks, of The album was produced by James course, is the title song which is sure Fitzpatrick and Gareth Williams. The to strike a chord with other musicians. orchestra conducted by Gareth Margaret was looking for something Williams and the music arranged by that would represent her. The tune, Paul Bateman (who has previously composed by John Rutter, was just worked with Sarah Brightman and what she had been searching for. “[It]
resonates deeply with me and so it was the perfect choice for the album name. It is so relevant to how I feel about music. Music plays such a huge part in my life and I am very blessed to have been given this gift. I think many singers and musicians can relate to the idea of not knowing quite where our gift has come from, whilst knowing it is a blessing and gift. Music is the ultimate gift both to give and to receive and I am so fortunate to have the pleasure to share my music with the world. This is exactly what I hope I have achieved in this album.”
particular track. I’m a real lover of the big cinematic/Hollywood sound and Paul does this so well.” Even the oft-recorded tunes are a welcome addition due to the vocal and orchestral quality. “I wanted it to be different from other crossover albums but at the same time not steer away too much from what the crossover audience enjoy. Therefore, I wanted it to reflect the uniqueness of my own voice. What I mean by that is, when you hear the album, you instantly know it’s me singing. I think the songs I have chosen highlight this
“Music is the ultimate gift both to give and to receive and I am so fortunate to have the pleasure to share my music with the world.” Some of the other standout tracks include ‘A Sentimental Medley’ (a delightful blending of the standards songs from the WWII era), ‘Where ‘ere you Walk’ (the Handel classic is a perfect fit for Margaret’s soprano), ‘All The Things You Are,’ ‘The Old Man’ and ‘So Deep is the Night.’ One of my personal favorites is the vivacious, ‘Lovely Night.’ Of this particular track, Margaret tells us she had a very specific vision in mind. “I knew the sound I wanted for this
and show off the different strengths of my voice. Musically I wanted it to be Cinematic in nature with a little touch of Irish flair. To me, this approach has allowed the album to become a lovely sentimental journey between me, my voice and the listener.” Margaret’s musical background has been varied. She began by studying classical music and then graced the stage in numerous musical theater productions and has also always
shared the Irish tradition of music have included performing for Pope with her audiences. As a former Francis and gracing the stages of the teacher, she offers this advice in London Palladium, Carnegie Hall, regards to repertoire selection: “Sing and the Royal Albert Hall. She has what you truly love to perform. If you also recorded for Songs of Praise love a particular style, composer, era (keep an eye out on her social then that passion will shine through platforms for airing dates!) and has when you perform it. Don’t just sing toured with Russell Watson. What is songs that you feel you have to do and next for this talented songbird? don’t put yourself in a box either. “I have been very Experiment with fortunate with the different ideas and “Sing what you truly opportunities I have sounds. When I had within the last love to perform… came across Billy couple of years. Joel’s “Lullabye” However, I have Don’t just sing songs I immediately worked really hard to wanted to put my get those chances but that you feel you own slant to it. We was always aware of have to” didn’t approach it how hard I needed to with a pop feel but work to get there. It’s instead called been all worth it! upon my classical and Irish roots which slightly changed the overall “I will be doing more touring, feel to the song and I think it works recording and performing with the really well. Always know your wonderful Michael Crawford in strengths and play to them but work concert very soon. The most on your weaknesses until they become important thing for me now is the your strength!” release of the new album on June 22nd. I am very proud of how it has all Over the last couple of years, turned out and I sincerely hope Margaret’s career has gone from everyone will enjoy it as much as I strength to strength. Some of the have enjoyed making it!” incredible highlights to her resume
The Gift of Music is available for pre-order now.
margaretkeys.co.uk
New Release
Royal Hollywood Love Song
Written by Olga Thomas. Performed by Arts Symphonic Orchestra Conducted, Arranged and Produced by Robert Emery Label: Arcava Music
Available Now from iTunes.
www.olgathomascomposer.com
tenor
Karl Loxley Karl Loxley burst onto the classical crossover scene with his ringing version of the ‘Nessun Dorma’ on BBC One’s ‘The Voice.’ But Karl’s musical journey goes back to when he was seventeen and first began singing. “I had the opportunity to play Jean Valjean in my school production of Les Misérables and I could just about sing in tune. So, I had to choose between driving lessons or singing lessons, so I went for the driving lessons.... just kidding I went for the singing lessons and the moment I sang ‘Bring Him Home’ I knew that singing was going to be my path for life.” Karl continued his training and received a full scholarship to the prestigious Guildford School of Acting where he studied Musical Theatre. “Whilst I was there my singing teachers had me sing a variety of songs from musicals, pop
songs, opera and even rock music! I really enjoyed singing the legit, classical crossover kind of songs so I stuck with that.” Like many young budding crossover singers, Karl got his ‘big break’ on a reality television show. “Appearing on ‘The Voice’ was a great opportunity for me. I didn’t win the show, but it has changed my life. I now work full-time as a professional singer since the show and I get to travel the world performing my concerts as well as performing around the UK in some of the greatest venues.” Judge Tom Jones also helped to mentor Karl. “I was very lucky to spend some time with Sir Tom Jones. I got to meet his family and I also got to have a few singing lessons with him. When the cameras are on and when they are turned off he is still Tom. I asked him about singing technique and he talked to me about controlled
breathing whilst singing which is how he sings the big notes and maintains his voice. I love to discuss singing technique with other people. I think the voice is full of mystery and we all each have our own unique voice which I think is truly special.”
“I don’t like the word ‘fans’ because I feel that creates a barrier between them and the artist. Everyone who comes to support me is a friend.”
Some of Karl’s favorite ways to keep his own voice in top shape are rest, water, and lip trills. “It helps with breath control and warms up the voice without overdoing it. The voice is a muscle and must be stretched like you would if you were running a marathon.” The reason for his continued success is not only Karl’s innate musical ability but the enthusiasm from his supporters. In fact, Karl has been one of the most requested artists to appear in our magazine! “Many of the
people who have supported my career have come from when I used to busk regularly in Stratford-upon-Avon. The people who saw me told their friends and family and helped to get my name out there. Word of mouth is the best tool for any singer. If you support an artist simply sharing their videos on social media and telling a friend about them is the best way to get them known. I don’t like the word ‘fans’ because I feel that creates a barrier between them and the artist. Everyone who comes to support me is a friend. I always do a meet and greet after my shows because I like to thank everyone for coming to support me. Without the people, there is no audience and there are no albums. The people who support me have allowed me to live my dream and I am forever thankful to them.” After the Voice, Karl released his album ‘Everything I Am.’ He says, “I wanted to release an album as so many people supported me on the show. The album was recorded with 42 musicians from The Glasgow Philharmonic Orchestra. The album features lots of different songs from ‘Unchained Melody’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Bring Him Home’ and ‘Nessun Dorma’ as well as the first song I ever wrote ‘Everything I Am’ which was the title song for the album. To record an album with 42 musicians was only possible because lots of wonderful people supported and pre-ordered my album on PledgeMusic. Thank you
once again for giving me the chance to record it!” Karl is also planning a new recording soon. “I’m currently in the planning stages for my new album. The album will be recorded with The Prague Philharmonic Orchestra. The same orchestra that has been used to record for Celine Dion, Sarah Brightman, Adele and has also provided the soundtrack for many films. It will feature a variety of songs from Classical Crossover, Musical Theatre, Movies and I’m currently working on an original song for the album. I will be aiming to launch my new album into the UK Classical Album Chart. With your help of preordering today, I could reach that number one spot!” When it comes to learning new music Karl shares. “When learning a piece of music, I sometimes like to listen to a recording and I always try and look at the sheet music. I’m not the strongest sight reader at all but it
certainly helps to see the flow of a song and it also helps me to learn the lyrics. When I wrote my Christmas song ‘See the Lights’ I had this melody in my head for like a year. I just kept humming this tune and eventually decided I had to turn it into a song. I then started to look at chords and create a structure for the song.” The Voice continues to make an impact on Karl’s career. He will soon be sharing the stage with fellow season four contestant, Lucy O’Bryne. He shares this about the upcoming show: “I’m so excited to be performing with Lucy O’Byrne. This will be the first time myself and Lucy have performed together since singing ‘Memory’ in front of 9 million viewers on ‘The Voice’. Lucy will be singing some fantastic numbers from musicals she has starred in and we will, of course, be singing a duet...I wonder what it could be?”
Karl & Lucy will be performing at The Albany Theatre in Coventry on Friday, June 22nd. Tickets are available at www.albanytheatre.co.uk or by calling the Box Office on 024 7699 8964 You can Pre-order Karl’s new album here: www.pledgemusic.com/projects/karl-loxley-album
www.karlloxleytenor.com
The Up and comer
Gabrielle Portelli Teenager Gabrielle Portelli is a crossover singer hailing from Malta. She made her television debut at the tender age of three on ‘Jolly Phonics’ an educational program for preschoolers. “I was the youngest of the chosen group,” Gabrielle tells us. “This was my first ever television experience. I, together with the other choristers, used to sing and act to teach a new letter sound of the alphabet every week.” In addition to Jolly Phonics which aired Saturday mornings, Gabrielle was fostering a love for the soprano sound by listening to ‘Phantom of the Opera’ which she claims to still be “obsessed with”. Pressed for a favorite tune she says, “I feel that my top two are ‘Masquerade’ and ‘The Music of the Night’. Both of these songs give me chills up and down my spine every time I listen to them.”
By the age of nine, it was time for Gabrielle to seek additional assistance with her training. Not surprisingly the first song she worked on in vocal class was ‘Think of Me’. Additionally, “I was asked to research about the musical at home in order to familiarize myself with what I am singing. Almost 8 years down the line, I still keep doing this with every song that I study.” The first school production she became involved with was ‘Annie’ in 2015 where she played Ms. Hannigan. “It required long hours of rehearsals and a lot of studying at home so as to learn the long script by heart and to give the best interpretation possible to my solo ‘Little Girls’. During the performance, I had a lot of quick changes requiring me to be very light on my feet so that I could go back up on stage on time. On the whole, it was
a very memorable experience which not only helped me advance in musical theatre but also allowed me to bond with my schoolmates who also took part in the musical.” More recently Gabrielle has been seen on the stage in ‘Ebenezer’ playing the Ghost of Christmas present. “This part was much more laid back,” she tells us although her costume and make-up were a different story. “My face, neck, and arms were filled with white body paint and shades of black. My hair was all backcombed and full of spray paint to give it a messy look and I wore a massive wedding dress and veil to give the idea of an elaborate ghost.” But makeup aside for Gabrielle “not much has changed” since Annie. Although musically the material pushed her beyond her normal comfort zone. “This presented a challenge which I faced eagerly as this allowed me to be more versatile and create my own spin to it without making it lose its essence. This performance allowed me also to make a lot of new friends.” Gabrielle has recorded a version of ‘The Voice’ by Brendan Graham and released the video to YouTube. “The first time I heard ‘The Voice’ was in Macedonia in 2011 whilst I was participating in a singing competition
there. An older singer sang this song for the opening ceremony and I was mesmerized by the unique music and I thought to myself, I would love to sing this song someday.” She was reintroduced to the piece by her vocal coach years later. “When I sing this song, I feel a series of emotions and it lets me use my voice in its utmost. Because of this, the song is very close to my heart as I truly sing it from my heart. Thanks to this song and the success it made on SoundCloud, I made my first music video which also gained thousands of views and an Akademia award.” The cover helped Gabrielle reach 18th place on the Scottish Global Music Chart (out of 132 entries). Gabrielle is also making waves at home in Malta. In 2013 she was the youngest soloist chosen to perform with the Malta Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. “It was such an unforgettable experience during which I have learned so much.” In 2015, she sang the national anthem at the President’s Palace in Valletta. “I was very praised by H.E the President and it was such an honor to sing in front of such a significant woman in Malta.” Gabrielle has also shared the stage with tenor Joseph Calleja and she tells us she would also love to perform with Andrea Bocelli, Celtic Woman, and Sarah Brightman. Unsurprisingly,
another inspiration is Jackie Evancho. “I remember watching her back when she was on ‘America’s Got Talent’. Seeing a singer my age gaining so much popularity for a talent such as hers from a very tender age is something one should appreciate and look up to.” Gabrielle’s voice has developed into a lovely clear soprano and she is continuing her studies. “At the moment, I am studying English, and Theatre and Performance at the Advanced level, and Psychology, Biology, and Geography at Intermediate Level at the Malta Junior College. I am studying Music and Classical Singing independently at the Malta School of Music. I am also studying Musical Theatre at
Centre Stage Malta and currently, I am preparing for my Grade 6 Trinity College exam. At present, I am also being coached so that I will continue my ABRSM exams in classical singing and theory.” Gabrielle hopes to continue on in university studying Psychology or Theatre & Performance. “Perhaps, after I graduate, I wish to go abroad to study music and theatre. I am still not quite sure what the future holds for me at the moment, but this is what I plan on doing. Until then, I just want to keep studying hard so that I pass from my A-level exams next year and go to University.”
Follow Gabrielle through her social media accounts:
facebook.com/gabrielleportellimusic
twitter.com/gaby_d_songbird
Celebrating 10 years
Blake
By Jennie Watters
Blake has been on quite a journey for the past ten years! Named for the poet William Blake, this dashing "boy band" of classical music has gone through some changes over the years, all the while releasing some thrilling albums and touring the world. Let us take you through the highlights.
From left to right: ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖ ❖
Dominic Tighe - Baritone Oliver (Ollie) Baines - Tenor Jules Knight - Baritone Stephen Bowman - Bass-baritone Humphrey Berney - Tenor (joined in 2009)
2007 The members of the group connect for the first time, via social media! As Jules put it, "Ollie and I were choristers at Winchester Cathedral and we'd kept in contact. Ollie was studying at Guildhall School of Music and I was trying to be an actor but we both carried on singing and thought it would be a good idea to put a group together. I'd seen Dom in a play and we knew of Stephen because the classical music circuit is quite small so we contacted them through Facebook." Shortly after, the four get signed by Universal and six months later they've already recorded their first album! The track list is a winning blend of classical and light pop music that includes Jerusalem, God Only Knows (by the Beach Boys) and a rousing rendition of Swing Low Sweet Chariot. The album tops both the classical and pop charts in the U.K. and sells 100,000 copies within the first three weeks.
2008
Their debut album, "Blake," wins the "Album of the Year" Classical Brit award in May! The new quartet quickly follows their initial success by recording "And So It
Goes." Their sophomore effort continues to build on their use of soothing harmonies and classical technique, but it also includes more pop song covers than the first. The title song was originally sung by Billy Joel and other tracks include Chasing Cars (Snow Patrol) and Closest Thing to Crazy (Katie Melua.) Blake tops the charts once again and begins touring internationally, traveling to Australia and Japan. The boys connect with their fans not only through their music but also through humor as well, making the concert experience all-around entertaining.
2009 Dominic Tighe leaves the group to pursue his acting career. He goes on to get parts in BBC movies and in an Andrew Lloyd Webber play, "The Aspects of Love," where he falls in love with Katherine Kingsley (whom he later marries). Blake adds a fantastic new singer, tenor Humphrey Berney, to their group. They record their third album, "Together," this time not through Universal, but on their own independent label, Blake Records. It is once again a success, and the band ends the year with a sold-out tour in Scandinavia.
2010 – 2011 The World of Wildlife Fund selects Blake's song Beautiful Earth as its anthem. The boys are proud to represent the organization's conservation efforts. Blake performs twice at Buckingham Palace for the royal family. On William and Kate's wedding, Blake dedicates the song All of Me to the couple (this is not referring the John Legend song of the same title, which they actually go on to cover at a later date.)
2012 Their fourth album is the last time Blake will record as a quartet. "Start Over" is even more contemporary than their previous crossover music, with the boys drawing inspiration from the Bee Gees and Boyz II Men. In fact, their single So Happy ends up being the first time a classical group is featured on the BBC's Pop Radio 2 playlist. Some hardcore fans are a bit disappointed by this departure but others love Blake's new sound which makes for a perfect summertime listen.
2013 – 2014 Jules quits Blake to become a regular on a TV medical drama called Holby City. The remaining members rework their harmonies and find that they can create a similar blend even with just the three of them and decide to remain a trio. The title of their new release is "In Harmony" and it's a return to their earlier style of more classically oriented music. This album also features duets with Camilla Kerslake, Rebecca Newman and Rachelle Ann Go.
2015 This year, Humphrey releases a solo project, a collection of lullabies called "Slumberland." Part of his motivation is to honor the sister he tragically lost ten years prior. "I think part of this album was wanting to do something on my own in memory of Rose. I remember sitting at the piano and singing Moon River with her." Humphrey performs Moon River here simply and earnestly with a gentle piano accompaniment. Other highlights include Hushabye Mountain, River Lullaby, When You Wish Upon a Star and Lullaby for a Stormy Night. The adorable cover art which adorns "Slumberland" was lovingly created by
Humphrey's wife Charlotte Taylor (who is a fashion designer.) Humphrey's other reason for singing these songs was because he realized so few men record lullabies. In babysitting his cousin's son and singing for his niece and nephew, he has seen how music is an important part of caring for children. He hopes that this will be a good album for fathers to sing along to.
2016 The trio loan their voices to a seasonal offering called "A Classic Christmas" and have their own Christmas Special on BBC1 with Dame Shirley Bassey. They had met her six months prior at Bassey's 70th birthday party. "Ollie mentioned singing a Christmas song together, and I said I've never done a Christmas song before!" she later told the Daily Mirror. Sales from their Christmas album go to the children's charities Variety and Noah's Ark Hospice. Blake has over the years supported many charities, among them Cancer Research, MIND, The Royal British Legion, The War Widows Association, and more.
2017 - 2018 As you can see, this band boasts of a long list of achievements since their humble beginnings ten years ago. They have performed over 700 concerts across Europe, Russia, China, the United States and more! The trio released yet another studio album this year, Blake's SEVENTH studio album to date, which is full of lush
arrangements, choral accompaniment and of course the beautiful harmonies their fans know and love. The album reached No.1 in the Classical charts!
We at Classical Crossover Magazine wish Ollie, Stephen and Humphrey success in their future endeavors, and hope they will continue to delight audiences for many more years! We would also like to thank former members of Blake, Jules, and Dom, for helping to make this wonderful group what it is today.
www.blakeofficial.com
Mary-Jess Leaverland
inspiration When you ask singer Mary-Jess to describe her sound she breaks it down by albums. “My debut album ‘Shine’ was Cinematic Classical Crossover and since then I have headed into a more Easy Listening area of Classical Crossover with more simple arrangements that let the voice have the space to be an instrument in its own right. One of my favorite quotes is from one of my Grandmothers singing books, and it reads ‘The voice [has the ability] to paint in sound the color of human emotions’ and so that’s what I try to do.” Although raised in England, MaryJess found success on a Chinese talent show similar to X-Factor – and it’s all thanks to her language studies. “I studied Chinese Mandarin as an extracurricular GCSE, and not only loved it but was fascinated by it.” Did the language immediately blend with her singing style? “It’s a tonal language, which does give it a
musical feel, but I wouldn’t say that it was an easy blend. Some of the pronunciations are more forward in the mouth compared to say Italian, which is very open. Traditionally Chinese singing can tend to sound more nasal because of the way the words have to be pronounced, but I’ve tried to train my soft pallet to stay high even with these more forward and closed pronunciations. I went on to study Music and Chinese studies at the University of Sheffield, the only place that offered Chinese Mandarin with Western classical music. I wasn’t a typical student. I needed one of the few scholarships available for my second year at Nanjing University in order to afford to be there, so I knuckled down, got the scholarship and went to study at Nanjing University and it was while I was there that I entered and won the show.”
Although it was a massive win in was difficult. I still want to record China, the British public was still some of them! Well, most of them!” largely unaware of her, but that was Another highlight to her resume came soon to change. The story of the when Mary-Jess was asked to sing on English girl winning the Chinese the soundtrack for the hugely competition quickly spread and Marysuccessful show, Downton Abbey. “I Jess was subsequently signed to was familiar with the show, but the Decca records. “Decca gave me a first series was on when I was on tour wonderful start to my with Russell Watson, career. The main so I’d missed a skill they helped me “One of my favorite quotes is couple of episodes hone was due to the tour from one of my songwriting. I was schedule. I bought sent to every Grandmothers singing books, the box set (oh the songwriter on their and it reads ‘The voice [has days before Netflix!) books for a year and the ability] to paint in sound when I was invited to a half to write tracks the color of human emotions’ sing the theme so I for ‘Shine’. This was could make sure I and so that’s what I try to to find the right was fully caught up! do.” sound for the album Didn’t take long… and to also make we couldn’t stop sure that we loved watching it!” every song. I was clear that I did not She got a chance to meet the cast at want to make another UCJ songbook Highclere Castle. “Not only did I have album, and because of the battle a connection to that event through between Sony and Decca to sign me, I Downton Abbey, but also through my was able to negotiate a lot of creative long family connection with the control into my contract. The first forces, starting with my family owning song we knew we had for ‘Shine’ was Whitehead Aircraft which built ‘My Own Sunrise’ which I wrote with biplanes for the first world war, to my Chris Eaton, it became the benchmark Dad being in the navy when he was for every other song after that. In the younger. Plus ‘Glorious’, the first end, we had 50 songs that we loved single from my debut album ‘Shine’, that we had to choose between. That was written for the forces.”
Mary-Jess has since become an Indie numerous master classes at The Door artist and released a project entitled, Youth Project in Stroud, a wonderful ‘Prayer to a Snowflake’ which she charity that helps young people and wrote with Chris Eaton. “It’s an their families and have been a patron arrangement based on Ryuichi of the charity for many years now. Sakamoto’s ‘Merry Christmas Mr. They encouraged me to pursue my Lawrence’ and I’d always wanted to dreams to become a recording artist create a song out of it. Chris is the when I was a teenager, and now I love King of Christmas songs; having doing the same for others. There are written songs like ‘Saviours Day’ and so many things that I know now that I ‘O Little Town’ for Sir Cliff Richard, wish someone could have told me at and so I knew he’d be the beginning of the perfect person to my career, and so write this new by doing the EP “Being a Classical arrangement with. The and working with lyrics were inspired by Crossover artist is a huge Beth Ford, Ffion the beautiful blank Rebecca, Kyle asset with this new canvas that snow Tomlinson and project, as I knew that the creates when it lies like Tazmin Barnes so young singers I chose to closely, talking to a blanket on the ground, we used that image to them about the work with would be portray the message industry, welcomed with open arms that the future is one of performing live, by my fan base, and they singing, songendless possibilities, of ‘shimmering hope’ and writing, really have been.” that you can paint your recording, and all own path through the the other pieces of years ahead.” the puzzle that people don’t automatically put with wanting to be With music industry success and a singer, like social media marketing, experience under her belt, Mary-Jess online marketing, web development, has become a mentor for other artists business management, marketing starting out in the classical crossover strategies, copyright, contracts, etc, I genre. Her latest recording, ‘Inspire’ hope I can help them achieve their see’s her duetting with four up-anddreams. Being a Classical Crossover coming singers. “I really enjoy artist is a huge asset with this new working with young people. I’ve run project, as I knew that the young
singers I chose to work with would be the working day I plan what I’m going welcomed with open arms by my fan to do, look at what must be done base, and they really have been. The today and do that first, and then carry wonderful encouraging response from on with other stuff. I’ve started setting CC fans has been incredible for these alarms for bedtime and get up time young singers. Collaboration is such that are consistent every day, which is a huge part of being a musician and is difficult when you are a touring one of the best ways musician! But, when to grow your fan I am able to do it, it base, and so by means that my body putting all these knows when to go to artists on the same sleep and so I get The only person EP they can crossmore restful sleep who is responsible even though it’s pollinate their fan bases which will give sometimes for less for making your them a leg up that time. Otherwise, your just isn’t possible dreams come true is body is in a constant otherwise.” state of jet lag, which you. So, get up, get makes it very difficult In addition to out there and go do to stay focussed. My recording and motivation behind all touring, Mary-Jess is it. Now.” of this though, is that also a blogger who I know what I want. features interview If you don’t know with her colleagues what you want, how on her website blog entitled, ‘A can you plan for what you want and Singer’s Life.’ When asked how she how can you achieve it? The only keeps herself organized Mary-Jess person who is responsible for making responds, “I’m glad it looks that way! your dreams come true is you. So, get I don’t often feel organized and up, get out there and go do it. Now.” focused! Saying that I do have my studio at home where I work, and I Her go-getter attitude is clear through often shut the door to try not to get the campaign’s she has successfully distracted. I do my Chinese study launched for Artist Signal and Pledge every morning which wakes up my Music. She offers the following brain, and then I look at my numerous advice for anyone looking to do the lists, and for the first 10 minutes of same. “Keeping people updated and
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in the loop is very beneficial. Keep your fans a part of your journey all the way and ask them what they want. They’re the ones who are going to be spending their hard-earned cash on your art, after all, so make sure it’s something that they are going to want and be happy with. Show them how excited you are about the project you are crowdfunding for and they will share that passion and enthusiasm with you and really get behind your dream. At least I know Classical Crossover fans will. They’re amazing.” Mary-Jess has performed with several successful crossover acts including Russell Watson and G4 and calls them “completely different experiences.” She elaborates saying, “I toured with Russell just before ‘Shine’ was released and so these were the biggest live audiences I had ever performed to at that point. The 70 million Chinese ‘X Factor’ viewers were behind cameras and watching at home, so I just tried to forget the figures. It’s a bit more difficult when they’re all sat there looking at you! It was a huge learning curve but Russell was a great coach.” By the time she toured with G4, she had more experience under her belt, “So I’m able to enjoy it so much more. I’ve also learned how to capitalize on being a guest soprano too. One of the
most important things to do is to offer the audiences a free download if they sign up to your mailing list. It’s a wonderful way to thank them for coming along and you can then build a great relationship with people who like you and who like to support live music, what could be better?” They continue to collaborate, and Mary-Jess will join G4 again on tour in September. “I love being on the bus with them, and the bunks are so comfortable, and I love cooking in the slow cookers with Ben! But one of the things I enjoy most is being around fellow musicians and chatting about music and ideas for the future. Exciting!” Mary-Jess takes her diet seriously telling us that while she is currently vegetarian she is “on the road to veganism.” Does it have an effect on her voice? “I first gave up dairy in 2010 while recording Shine, I did it purely so that my voice could be as clear as possible for the recording. At that point, I had no idea about the environmental, moral, or health reasons for adopting a plant-based diet, and so still carried on eating meat as I had always done. I couldn’t believe the difference that one change made! Not only did it have the desired effect for my voice, but I had so much more energy, I felt stronger, healthier, and I dropped a dress size! All in just
a few months! Needless to say, I kept on avoiding dairy as much as I could from then on.” She explains that her boyfriend has been a vegetarian since he was 4 and is a successful professional athlete. “As with any sport, you do what you can to give yourself a competitive edge, and he swears by his vegetarianism, knowing that it has contributed to his success.” But does the diet make meal planning hard on the road? “Being vegetarian hasn’t made meals difficult in the slightest, over 1.2 million people in the UK are vegetarian, around 542,000 people are vegan, and the number of people adopting a plantbased diet has increased by 360% in the last 10 years, rising more now than ever before.” Now there are many more options to supply the demand. “When I’m on tour with G4, we have two slow cookers on the bus, Ben Thapa and I love to cook for everyone, and they can’t believe it when we say that what we’ve cooked is vegan, usually saying something
like ‘But it’s too good to be vegan!’ So are Oreos, but they’re vegan too!” Since her first big break came in China, Mary-Jess splits her time between her English and Chinese fan base. “Happily, I have a good amount in both countries, as I love flying back and forth as much as I can!” Her love for languages continues and she hopes to learn more. “I’d love to see the similarities between Chinese and Japanese, and Japan is an amazing country, so Japanese is certainly on the list, as is Italian. It’s a beautiful language and I love singing Italian arias.” Going forward what can we expect from Mary-Jess? “I’ve always wanted to go live in Italy. I have daydreams about cycling down to a beautiful village on a vintage bicycle, buying some bread and flowers, studying Italian, Italian opera and proper authentic Italian cooking. If I don’t come back from Italy at least two dress sizes bigger I will be very disappointed in myself!”
The new album “Inspire” is available from
www.mary-jess.com
Catching up with
G4
The last time we talked to G4 (made up of, Ben Thapa, Jonathan Ansell, Mike Christie and Nick Ashby) the group was together for a one-night reunion concert. The crossover quartet which began on X-Factor have seen their unique arrangements take them to the top of the charts but had begun to peruse solo projects. However, the fan response was so incredible that they toured across the UK including a “Back for Good” tour. Now, almost four years later, they are still performing together on a regular basis and have released an album entitled, “Love Songs.”
How did the concept for this record come about? Mike: When we worked out that the space in our schedule to release a new album would be the month of February, it made sense to tie it in with Valentine’s Day! Although most songs are about love anyway, so it made it very hard to whittle it down to the right number for an album. Also, our duet partner for two of the songs on the album - Lesley Garrett - we have known for years, and she’s always up for putting our own spin on classic love songs, and so we ended up recording the Meatloaf classic I’d Do Anything for Love with her! How do you decide on arrangements? Are the harmonies given or is it more of a trial and error between you guys? Jon: We create all the arrangements ourselves. They are trial and error for sure, but when we have it correct it just feels right and sticks.
The album features the City of Prague orchestra. Did you all record live together with the orchestra or later on in England? Jon: We actually recorded all the vocals before the trip to Prague and then had the brilliance of hearing the orchestra join us on the tracks in real time. What a thrill! How do you decide on songs? Do you have a favorite on the album? Nick: We came up with a huge list of songs for the album. Could have been a triple disc-er, but time and money didn't allow us to record them all sadly. We tried arranging them acapella, just the four of us to see what would work, and some fell by the wayside. During that process, the shape of an album slowly emerged, and they became THE tracks! There are always disagreements in those situations, but it's healthy! It means people have strong opinions about the music. Better than the alternative! My favorite is the Elvis track, Can't help
falling in love, but I'm a bit biased as not only did I choose that song, but also infer a solo on it... How did the collaborations with Lesley Garrett and Merrill Osmond come about? Mike: We have been friends with Lesley for nearly 15 years, having duetted with her on Barcelona back in 2005. When we were putting the ‘Love Song’ album together, we wanted to include some duets, and we were keen to duet with her again. So, we phoned her and she said yes, and even came to Gibraltar with us to record the music video for ‘All I Ask of You’ in St Michael’s Cave amongst the damp and stalactites. Jonathan has known Merrill for a while and had mentioned to him we were recording a new album, to which he said he’d love to be involved, and that was that! It’s always so humbling when musical icons want to duet with you! Nick, the last time we spoke you were getting ready for your first concert with G4. What have been the biggest highlights for you since then and do you have any upcoming solo shows? Nick: It's been a bit of a whirlwind since then really. I think that first moment of walking out onto the Barbican stage for the reunion show was a big highlight - I just had no idea what to expect! But I got so much warmth from all the fans, I needn't
have been worried! Another highlight was getting to take one of our shows to South Korea! An amazing and unforgettable trip. Especially the silkworm soup. Not going to forget that in a hurry… I have a few shows in which I'm doing solos, but no fully solo shows any time soon! Keep an eye on my twitter feed for more info... Jonathan, you have played various roles onstage and are now set on a new musical theatre collaboration called the “Les Musicals” tour with Rhydian Roberts. What are your favorite musicals and can you give us a quick preview as to what the show will be like? Jonathan: My favorite musicals are Les Miserable and Blood Brothers. I first saw Blood Brothers when I was about 14 and I was totally transfixed on the stage throughout with floods of tears emerging at the end. That’s when my love affair with Musical Theatre begun. ‘Les Musicals’ is a concert tour celebration of the greatest hits from the West-End and Broadway. We are removing traditions also and tackling some of the biggest female showstoppers in a unique way. Mike, you have made your opera debut in Manon Lescaut. Tell us a little bit about your preparation and experience with this role. Are there any roles you would like to perform?
Mike: The opera is by one of my favorite composers, Puccini, however, I had never performed one of his roles before. I played Geronte de Ravoir who is a villain in the opera, and often laughed at, so it really gave me something to get my teeth into for my first ever opera role. I started to prepare by listing all the things that Geronte said about other people, and that other people said about Geronte during the opera to get an idea of who I was, and found during the rehearsal, as well as the shows, that I learned more about my character all the time, as it’s an ongoing process. Ben, you will soon be on stage in scenes of Idomeneo and soon after will be involved in Mozart’s Requiem. Do you have a preference for any one composer or time period that seems to work best with your voice? Ben: Buxton Festival Opera have been wonderful in giving me great opportunities to perform operatic roles at a professional level in amongst all of the G4 stuff. I’ve sung a lot of Mozart but also some later Germanic repertory: Beethoven, Strauss, and Wagner. That’s not stuff you go into too young, so I’ve just been dipping my toes in. I still love Monteverdi, Bach, Handel, and I hope my love of that comes across when I get the chance to perform it. Having perfect pitch allows me to learn music quickly too: one of the coolest things I
did was perform the role of the President in the UK premiere of Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht for Birmingham Opera Company in 2012. We repeated it at the Proms in 2013. Quite an experience! You gentlemen have been on quite an extensive tour and are set to continue dates from September through to the end of the year. What is your favorite part about touring together? Jonathan: Mainly the energy that builds during rehearsals and the tour itself. It’s an amazing ride to be on as we travel and perform together each day right around the UK. Do you ever change song arrangements for the tour or are they performed close to the studio versions? Jonathan: Versions change slightly but traditionally they remain the same. We sometimes make them a little bit more complicated on stage if we discover that there are great bits we should have added in the studio! Ben: It depends which set of words Jon remembers at any given time… Do you have any road essentials? Mike: A phone charger is pretty essential these days, but also, I discovered the benefits of lavender oil last year on tour, as a few drops on
the pillow each night helps calm me and give me a better night sleep when the tour bus is rolling around the country. Ben: Tonic water and avocados. Can you tell us a little bit about the special guests you’ve had so far and any information about the guests for the last leg of the tour? Mike: We’ve had the fortune of singing with so many legends in music including Lesley Garrett, Sir Cliff Richard, and the late Robin Gibb, two of whom we’ve performed with at the Royal Albert Hall. Also, due to us having four different male voices, it always makes sense to have a Guest Soprano on tour with us to be able to sing some of the greatest love duets like Barcelona, I’d Do Anything for Love and All I Ask of You. Sopranos we’ve duetted with include Laura Wright, Lucy Kay, Margaret Keys, Faryl Smith and Charlotte Jaconelli to name but a few. We currently have Downton Abbey Songstress Mary-Jess on tour with us, and she’s going down
an absolute storm with all the audiences. The classical crossover genre is being pushed in all kinds of new directions including genres like hip-hop! Do you think there should be parameters as to what should be considered crossover or is it more difficult to define? Nick: It certainly is difficult to define and should be! I think there is good and bad music in all genres, and everything should be accessible to all! The more that people test themselves by listening to music they wouldn't normally listen to the better. Try something new, see if it moves you if it doesn't move on, if not then explore more! Are there any plans for a new album in 2019? Mike: We’re all really busy with our own projects through most of 2019, but it would be great to release a Christmas album before our Christmas tour next year!
www.g4official.com
Careers in music
Joshua goines
Musical director
For this month’s careers in music, we focus on Joshua Goines a multitalented musician (pianist/organist, singer, conductor and composer/arranger). His impressive set of skills have allowed Joshua to work in various different positions and be a musical director on various projects. Recent productions include: In the Heights, Hairspray, and Street Scene by Kurt Weill. Joshua began his musical journey primarily as a singer but he very quickly developed other skills: “As my interest grew, I branched out into other areas of music and I only stuck with it if I felt I could spend the appropriate amount of time cultivating that area. At one point, I was simultaneously enrolled in piano, voice, & violin lessons.” He conducted his first choir at the age of ten! “One summer I started a little choir at church that sang along to some arrangements of worship songs for kids. The CD had a split track so we used that for accompaniment while I had my mom write out the lyrics (her handwriting was far better than mine!) and we copied that for everyone. We only performed once, we sang two songs. All things considered, it went well.” The music lessons came in handy too when he began accompanying other singers. “I started accompanying singers at church when I was around
12 or 13 years old. People would say, ‘I’d like to sing this whenever you have it learned, but no rush…’ and I'd typically have it learned within a week because I was so hungry to perform and grow in my skills.” He realized quickly that being multipassionate was to his advantage. “Once I got to high school, I saw the value of having many skills and I focused on conducting, piano, and voice.” Joshua also began arranging music early. “One of my favorite songs from my tween years was the praise song, ‘Majesty’ by Jack Hayford. I would always hear it in my head as something far grander than the arrangement we had in the songbook. Without writing it out, I did my own piano arrangement. Originally, this was just for accompanying the congregation but later on, I would embellish it more and use as a piano solo.” Having worked with Joshua myself, it is always amazing to hear how he transforms simple melodies and makes them stand out. His skills have become much in demand. “It's hard to say what my most recent arrangement has been because I tend to work on multiple projects at once. More than likely, it was something we used in church and that's typically a chamber orchestra arrangement.”
Through the years Joshua has worked in many different areas of music including as a church organist, choir director and musical director for various productions. So, what is the typical schedule? “Mostly, the schedule is the same for all because I'm just one person working many jobs (often simultaneously). At one of my busiest times, I was attending classes in the morning, researching/practicing/doing score study in the afternoon and then prepping for rehearsal in the evening. Earlier this year I was the music director for two musicals and an opera while still being organist/accompanist for one church and a contemporary music director/arranger for another church, all while preparing and coaching with two singers for their senior recitals and preparing to guest conduct a choir festival. Needless to say, the days were long and there were several styles of music happening every hour. Fortunately, I never brought the wrong score to rehearsal (and this was a legitimate concern I had while trying to juggle everything) and I only forgot my organ shoes once!” Given the varied nature of his career thus far, it’s hard to point out only a few highlights but Joshua shares: “I've been blessed to have some amazing moments. One highlight was
conducting John Rutter’s Magnificat with choir and orchestra at Shenandoah Valley Academy. Another was leading many of those high schoolers on a tour of Germany and Austria. There's a certain rush that comes with having an original composition performed and thanks to the Andrews University Singers and Stephen Zork, that has been a dream I didn't know I had come true! I always love the bonds that form when working on a musical theater piece and so far, there have been several. Still, any of my best moments can be found at church. Nothing beats having a freshly orchestrated piece backed with choir, praise band, and orchestra leading 1,800 congregants singing to the top of their lungs all in worship and praise to God. My roots are in the church so I'm always delighted to continue trying new things there.” If there’s one area Joshua wishes he had more time for it would be songwriting. “Even though I compose
a little, I don't think of myself as a great composer. I wish I had more time to focus on composing and honing in those skills.” He has many dreams for the future a few of which shares with us. “I'd love to form my own professional choir. I'd love to premiere new choral works as well as conduct some of the classic symphonic choral works. Nothing specific because the sky is the limit!”
collaborate! Whether professional or amateur, I enjoy making music with anyone who wants to make music together. There are so many great artists that it would be difficult to choose. However, there is one person whose voice and artistry captured my attention from a young age and I would be ecstatic if I ever got to work with Audra McDonald on a project as her music director and conductor!”
Are there any specific artists that he would like to work with? “I love to
Follow Josh through his social media accounts:
facebook.com/ JGoinesMusic instagram.com/jgoinesmusic
Bonus Questions ❖ As a choir director, you have worked with a variety of different voices. What vocal habit do you see consistently that you wish singers would work on more? ❖ I say this to singers and I target myself with these goals as well. Singing with ease, intentionality, meaning. There are lots of technical issues we each have, but if we focus on those three areas I believe the passion that we feel as performers will be best conveyed to our audience without feeding our bad habits. ❖ Do you have any advice you can offer participants in shows etc, that would help them be better prepared? ❖ Confidence is the key! We've all been on the other side of the audition table and we know what it takes to put yourself out there. Embrace confidence as part of your personality and allow that to always lead you. ❖ Can you offer us a few things accompanists and directors wish participants knew? ❖ I can't speak for everyone else, but this comes directly from me: Learn the music as it is written and count! So many times, I work with people who have listened to cast recordings or other artists perform a song and instead of learning it themselves, they try to emulate what they hear. The problem with that is that you aren't allowing yourself to be an artist and make your own decisions. The best performance comes when you are true to yourself and your voice. Also, once you break down a score to the bare bones and know it as the composer meant, then you can really internalize it and make it your own.
Joshua currently serves as the organist in the First Presbyterian Church of South Bend and the Music Director at Pioneer Memorial Church.
Interested in becoming a Music Director? Degrees to consider: BS Performance, BA Music, BA Conducting and BFA Musical Theatre